it's all right quit for the week. most lawmakers assume correctly there are bit players until there's a deal. that looks more complicated until mr. obama demanded republicans raise the debt ceiling this month without any spending cut strings attached. >> if congress in any way suggests they're going to tie negotiations to debt ceiling votes, and take us to the brink of default once again as part of a budget negotiation, i will not play that game. because we've got to break that habit before it starts. >> reporter: the president sees the fiscal cliff showdown as an opportunity to break that linkage for good. republicans say they will not increase the debt ceiling now $16 trillion and due to expire in february without more deficit reduction. >> history shows the only major deficit cutting deals we ever do around here, ever, comes after debates over the debt ceiling. it may be a good idea if you don't care about the debt, but it's a non-starter for those of us who do. >> reporter: public opinion generally is on the presi